skinslife

First up for when we visit Alan Partridge country we've chosen an awesome band called The Brownies to support acts such as our good friends The Clik Clik, Joy Formidable, Men in Masks and Audio Bullys (sic)

Then when we go to Liverpool, where we've already guestlisted Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres (wouldn't it be cool if they turned up), Area 15 will be supporting Skins episode three legends Crystal Castles alongside Ladyhawke, David E Sugar and Osymyso.

As for London episode 9 and Cardiff party veterans Paper Heroes will be given another run out as they're, in my humble and often misguided opinion, the best band to have posted their music on the site so far. We're treating this as a showcase for them as we feel that if we really get behind them they'll turn into something special and that's what Skins is all about...

For everyone who posted a track for the London party don't get disheartened there are still loads more parties and series three is just around the corner; if they're not there then we can't use them.

There are going to be big changes to the site in the near future and Music and chances to get your stuff heard will be key.

Xxx

The Toes – Chrome Radio Rocks – Opening Track

The episode's director, Charles Martin, opens the show with a track by a band i know nothing about. It's quite good though, isn't it?

Gravenhurst – See My Friends – Sid gets back home

In my write up for episode 4 I said that Gravenhurst did a fantastic cover of a Kinks song and here it is! This is from their 'Fire in Distant Buildings' album and is their second track to feature in Skins.

Blondie – Heart of Glass – Bryan from Spaced (Chris’ Dad) talking to Sid (His name is Mark Heap. Do your fucking research, Alex. Ed)

Sid’s mum has probably been listening to Magic FM and the lazy fucker can't be arsed to turn it off. In my opinion 'Atomic' (the track used in Trainspotting) is by far their best track.

Elliot Smith – Between the Bars – Michelle and Jal in bed.

James 'The Slasher' Hughes (Editor of this episode) gets in one of his favourite songwriters into the show to add some poignancy to the moment.

Charlie Parr – Track 4 (from Rooster/King Earle) – Michelle/Jal in the zoo/aquarium

We used this track in episode 5 and we now re-use our favourite Bluegrass musician to remind us of Chris. Check the track below

Boccherini - Minuetto - Funeral directors track

The guy from The Fast Show (Jon Thompson is his name. Honestly. Ed.) talks to Bryan from Spaced and many other cool comedies (this is now only mildly amusing. Ed.) whilst a piece of classical music that is used in 'Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls' is played in the background. Viewing everything through the lens of pop culture’s great innit? (HA HA HA HA HA HA. Ed)

Girls Aloud – Sound of the Underground – Car Chase track one

My little sister Paige (hello!!) bought this when it was released and i probably played it as much as her. It’s a pretty amazing track and Girls Aloud are one of the best girl groups of all time. We also used it as Toby fancies Sarah Harding and really, really, really wants to meet her. We figure now we’ve used her track he’s just that little bit closer to realising his dream.

The Everydays - Untitled – Playing on the Radio

Rich Stephenson is the lead singer of this upcoming rock revival act.

Britney Spears – Ooops I did it again – Second car chase track

After Toby realised that Sarah Harding’s getting married he thought he’d try the easier target of Britney Spears. I know she’s having a hard time at the moment, Toby but that’s a bit desperate isn’t it? (This time tomorrow, Alex will be on the dole. Ed.)

Mascagni – Raging Bull theme tune (amongst other things) – Funeral directors, track 2

Two famous people sit around whilst a famous piece of music from a famous film is playing; perhaps in series three we’ll have as many pop culture allusions as Spaced. I certainly hope so.

Tom Middleton – Sea of Glass – Chris’ funeral

Tom Middleton's a pretty cool guy; he's worked with Aphex Twin, produced one of the key ambient albums of all time as Global Communication and his label Universal Language Productions was the first to release Matthew Herbert's tracks, now his music's in Skins. In short; I'm jealous.

White Stripes – 7 Nation Army – fireworks song

After Tony nods, they play Chris some White Stripes in tribute.

Micah P Hinson – Wasted Away – Bryan from Spaced talks to Jal

We last heard Micah P Hinson at the end of Skins series one episode 8; he generally works well when you want the whole strummy, downbeat, acoustic guitar vibe.

Modern Lovers – Modern World – Cassie in New York

Dude, check the Slasher’s editing in time with the opening drum roll. That’s some pretty cool stuff. What’s also cool is using once again a bit of good ol’ Jonathan Richman.

Maps – Sid/Tony/Michelle in the Car

Maps is a guy called James Chapman who releases music that's inspired by cool bands like Spacemen 3, Broadcast and Low.

Tom McRae – I ain’t scared of lightning – Tony says goodbye to Sid

Some more singer-songrwriter-y stuff courtesy of The Slasher as Tony says goodbye to Sid. Who thinks The Slasher should write a guide to singer-songwriters on the site???

MGMT – Time to Pretend – Sid in New York/End Credits

In the final all out assault on England, MGMT get their track into the show. These guys look set to be pretty big over the next 6 months so keep your eye on them.

Keep popping back and checking out what we've got coming up and thanks for all the comments this series. Roll on series 3...

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James Yorkston - Don't let me down - Opening Track

This is a pretty amazing track that James 'The Slasher' Hughes chose to begin the show. James Yorkston along with King Creosote (another big favourite of The Slasher's) are the two big hitters amongst Scotland's Fence Collective.

Paper Heroes - Jenny Jones - Chris wakes up

The first ever track posted on the Skinslife site that made it onto the show. They're also playing at the Cardiff Skins Live party as well so everyone within a two hour train ride really should be there on Saturday.

Various Production - The World is Gone - Cassie walking to Sid's room and smacking his arse

Various Production released a pretty awesome album by the same name a few years back on the wonderful XL records. The album can act as a good introduction to the sound of Dubstep as it's got loads of female vocals on it and it's not too heavy.

Les Dennis - Back on the booze - Playing on Chris' radio

Les Dennis (not the dude from Family Fortunes) are good friends of the episode's director Charles 'I'm too scared to give him a nickname' Martin. They basically make crazy Rock 'n' Roll in the style of The Skallywags.

Chemical Brothers - Pills Won't Help - Out to end of part one

Chemical Brothers once again get their coffee table trance in Skins.

King Creosote - You Are Could I - Playing on Chris' stereo at beginning of part 2

We last heard King Creosote towards the end of episode 5. Well, here he is again playing on Chris' stereo. As with James Yorkston, KC is a prominent member of Scotland's Fence Collective.

Lipps Inc - Funky Town - Disco song everyone's dancing to

One of the most famous disco tracks of all time. There's very little i can say about this apart from Doug is probably my favourite character in the show (after Posh Kenneth of course).

LCD Soundsystem - Great Release - Cassie handing in exam/stealing Chris a t-shirt

Everyone's favourite 30 somethin' fat man from New Jersey gets his music onto the show once again. More money for him to spend on pies and obscure disco vinyls on e-bay, i guess.

True Ingredients - The Expert - Playing whilst Sid is cooking

True Ingredients are going to be playing at Oxjam at 93 Feet East on the 22nd of April for all of you in London. They've also got an album out on inigo records called 'prepare and assemble' out soon.

Ella Fitzgerald - Take Love Easy - Dinner Party Music

There's a funny Woody Allen quote about Ella Fitzgerald but i can't quite remember it, can anyone help me?

Les Dennis - Solid - On the radio

Once again more of the awesome Les Dennis

Fionn Regan - Be Good Or Be gone - After Cassie drops the milk

This track caused a lot of arguments in the Skins office but James 'The Slasher' Hughes stood his ground and won.

Clinic - Monkey on my back - Sid and Cassie have sex

Clinic are an awesome band from Liverpool who play electro tinged indie. I've heard rumours that they're going to be having a new album out soon, has anyone else heard that?

Thomas Fehlmann – I want to be a little fishy – Chris and Cassie getting stoned

Thomas Fehlmann’s a bit of a dude. Not only did he release a succession of amazing albums in the 90s as The Orb but he now makes tunes for the super cool Cologne based label Kompakt. Kompakt are putting on a night at the O2 for everyone in London. It’s happening the night after the Skins London party so everyone in London should come along with me, and for those not in London you should make a weekend of it and come down to London for the two coolest parties in all of April.

Jape - Floating - Playing on Chris' stereo

Jape's some dude from Dublin that the episode's director's a big fan of. Check his myspace link for more.

Amon Tobin – Rhino Jockey – Cassie panicking

Amon Tobin has released countless albums of breaks, drum n bass and other parts of the 'nuum that have died off and aren't remembered by people under the age of 25. (I'd like to point out that Alex is 21 - fuck knows when he got so worldly wise. Ed.)

Stooges – I wanna be your dog – Cassie going to New York

The Stooges are one of those bands that people namecheck all the time. I’ve never been too sure but this song (which was used in an internet advert where some girl is on a swing) is without a doubt their best.

Yann Tiersen – L’Absent – Cassie in the taxi (cab)

There were only two things that made the racist propaganda of Amelie bearable; number one was Audrey Taotou being all fit and French and the other was Yann Tiersen’s soundtrack. (please don't sue us, Amelie producers. Ed.)

Wu Tang Clan – Space and Time – Playing in the Diner

The Wu Tang are one of the best hip-hop groups of all time and their Enter the 36 Chambers album is an all time classic. Check Ghostface Killah’s verse here whilst Cassie is all in a daze. It seems like New York was a good idea as she’s moved away from the indie hip-hop loving Sid to a place where they play Wu Tang.

LCD Soundsystem – New York I Love You – Cassie in bed

When I first saw this scene I didn’t understand it. Then James ‘The Slasher’ Hughes played this track. I still didn’t understand it, but I let it go as it was getting embarrassing that i couldn't grasp it. I get it now and feel a bit foolish...

Telemen – In all nothing – Opening track in the club

Some breaks courtesy of the director Charles ‘I’m too scared to give him a nickname’ Martin.

Born Ruffians – Hummingbird – Band

We love Born Ruffians. Check the interview we did with them at the top of the page to find out more.

Fat Segal – Anann – Piano leading to Cassie getting into bed

Fat Segal continues on the trajectory of piano based tracks with this beautiful piece leading us to Cassie getting into bed.

Adele – Hometown Glory – Cassie crying/running/end credits

There are many similarities between Adele and Fat Segal and I really think they should do a collaboration. James ‘The Slasher’ Hughes and Bryan Elsley (my boss) love Adele and her MOR sweet croon.

Obviously i'm excited about everything on the Skins Live tour, which is a rare feat as i normally prefer sitting in a darkened room wishing i was a professional footballer, so i'm going to come out of my hole, watch the country's best new acts and maybe, just maybe speak to people. Here's what i'm most excited about....

I've been pretty vocal on this site about how great i think Bassline is. I used to love Garage when i was 13/14 and it's great to hear these updated versions giving it a fresh twist. We're getting TS7 and Dexplicit, who are two of the best producers in the scene and had their tracks featured in Effy's episode, to play at the Manchester and London parties respectively. Check them before they're absolutely huge this summer.

Crystal Castles performing in ep 3 is without a doubt one of my highlights of Skins so far and they're so good that we're bringing them back to play in Liverpool. Their debut is pretty amazing, there's even a Shoegaze track to close the album. Them playing at the Liverpool party will be amazing.

The Teenagers are fucking cool and they're playing at the Manchester party! With their debut album out very soon i can see everyone (including me) going crazy for them.

Then with Skinslife website find Paper Heroes and Copy Cats already confirmed to play the parties as well as established acts such as Shitdisco, XX Teens and shit loads of other amazing band set to tour across the country you really can't miss out.

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Althea and Donna - Uptown Ranking - Opening Track

One of the best Reggae tracks of all time, the episode's editor Dan 'The Butcher' Gethic likes it so much that he named his daughters Althea and Donna. (note: this obviously isn't true. Ed.)

Dizzee Rascal - Jus a Rascal - First Dizzee Track

Back when i was in 6th form, Dizzee was one of the most exciting things around. It has taken the teachers 5 years to learn about him and once they have he's a washed up hack who goes to wank clubs in Mayfair, DJs Nirvana and pillories the spirit of early 90s Texan Hip-Hop legends UGK. How the mighty have fallen.

DJ Assault - Ass n Titties - Posh Kenneth's Ringtone

Not only is Posh Kenneth the best looking Skins character and potentially a superstar with his MC Toby Welch moniker, he also has the most famous Ghettotech song of all time as his ringtone. Amazing.

Dizzee Rascal - Fix Up Look Sharp - 2nd Dizzee Track

More old school Dizzee plays and everyone gets depressed about the shocker that was his third album. Things like your A Levels seem trivial in comparison.

Eluvium - Genius and Thieves - Piano bit when Jal's depressed

The clever ones out there may think Eluvium is a geological term. The cool ones will know that Eluvium is also the recording name of Portland, Oregon based musician Matthew Cooper, who releases awesome piano based minimalist compositions on the Temporary Residence label. If you knew both then well done.

Pat Kelly - How Long - Jal and Chris have a meal

Wow, this episode is pretty much an introduction to Reggae. The Butcher once again gives us a classic track. I might draft him in to write a guide to Reggae if everyone's interested...

Gregory Isaacs - Objection Overruled - Jal rejects Chris

Chris isn't very bright is he? If he wants to seduce Jal he should have chosen a track from Toby Welch's 'Top 20 Surefire Seduction Tracks' which is due to be released on Universal next month. Even i can barely resist Toby when he plays those songs.

Stage Coach - School Day - Playing on Cassie's radio leading into classroom scene

Plaiyng on Cassie's radio are upcoming indie band 'stagecoach'. For those in London you should check them out as they're playing a residency at Kilburn's The Good Ship soon.

Herve - La La Land - Jal goes home

Jal walks home to some contemporary UK hip-hop

Fat Segal - The Glitters - Jal's argument with her Dad

Fat Segal adds to Jal's tender moment with this track.

Aqueduct - Five Star Day - Songs leading us to the arcade.

Aqueduct is the amazing David Terry from Seattle. He releases his albums on the wonderful Barsuk records.

Mad Professor - Your rights/My rights - dub track

Skins creator Jamie Brittain introduced me to legendary Dub artist The Mad Professor and i'm very, very thankful to him for that. It seems as though Reggae/Dub is following Jal around telling her to give up on classical music or something.

Tommy Evans - Ophelia - Brothers playing it

It seems as though it's not actually Skinslife's CDK that the brothers are playing, but legendary UK hip hop artist Tommy Evans. Thanks to the wonderful Y n R productions for this.

Fat Segal - The Glitters Part Two - Brothers consoling Jal

If i were Fat Segal i would have referenced some Romantic poetry in conjunction with this Romantic Classical Music (is that correct Classical Music Supervisor Toby Welch?) But then again i'm not i'm just a nobody.

Fat Segal - Cradle - Jal going to audition

Fat Segal shows us his tender side with this fine track.

Eluvium - Genius and thieves - Recurring track

Once again we use Eluvium as Jal continues to sit around.

Carl Maria Von Weber - Clarinet Concertino - Jal's clarinet piece

Jal goes all high culture on us and continues to reject anything not written by central Europeans in some castle 200 years ago.

Althea and Donna - Uptown Ranking - Recurring track

The presence of Reggae still looms over Jal as she has a big decision to make whether to go to the super cool Rooted Records and immerse herself in Bristol's Dubstep scene or to continue in the dead end that is classical music.

Stars of the Lid - Requiem for Dying Mother Pt. 1 - Long ambient piece

Stars of the Lid take inspiration from legendary Post-Rock acts like Labradford and fuse it with neo-classical minimalist composers such as Gyorgy Ligeti and Arvo Part. They're playing a few gigs in May and myself and The Butcher will certainly be there.

Low - Sunflower - Chris in hospital

We use more of the wonderful Low. This is taken from arguably their best album 'Things we lost in the fire'.

The Uniques - My Conversation - End Credits

The Butcher rounds of his tour of classic Reggae with this track. I'd like to be able to say that next week episode 9 is entirely based around my favourite Crunk tracks of all time, but that would be a lie.

Feedback, as always, much appreciated...

For the good people of London, Norwich, Bristol, Brighton and Manchester my good friend Planet Earth is touring with Peter and the Wolf next week, check the links for dates and venues. The London dates also features the awesome Winter Jets I strongly recommend you go to these shows.

Elsewhere i saw Flying Lotus do the world premiere of his debut album at Plastic People last night and with Kode9 doing a supporting DJ set playing loads of wonky, synthy tracks like Quartra 330 and Rustie it was pretty awesome.

Everyone in London should make their way down to Camberwell on friday night for this, it's free and everything. If you liked the bassline stuff we featured in ep 7 you'll love it. Finally on saturday night i'm seeing Ricardo Villalobos for the first time ever, he's DJ'ing at Fabric until 9 in the morning. Does anyone else think they have the stamina to see one of his legendary 6 hour sets?

So everyone post below what you're going to over the next week or so